It is one thing to write every day about “Endless Summer” and what it means. It is another thing entirely to feel it, to live it. Truth be told, I am a bit of a homebody. I live for fall and tend to hibernate in the air conditioning on the warmest days of the year. However, this year marked a change in me. Rather than look at summer as my nemesis, I decided to embrace her, to honor her. This month’s theme of “Endless Summer” really hit home for me and my inspiration meter has been off the charts.

Does anyone else find that inspiration can be (at times) uncomfortable? For me, at least, being truly inspired means being gently nudged out of my comfort zone, out of my box. This past month, I have forced myself to spend more time outdoors, in full sun, watching the shadows and enjoying the warmth. And here’s the thing: I found myself noticing the details, the small things.

There is just something about a bright and cloudless sky. Infinite possibility is keenly apparent when there are no shadows to hide it. The silence that lives in tree branches warmed by sunlight is joyous, freeing. This summer has been one of growth and change and choosing to live greatly. This summer has opened me up to the possibility that perhaps I have underestimated who I really am. This summer has changed me. While I am definitely still a fan of fall, I can honestly admit I am no longer aching for the changing of the leaves. My “Endless Summer” is a breath of, well, fresh air.